next story

4 Vices That Are Actually Good for You

I love reading health stories that grant you permission to misbehave--a little. Check out this list of vices that you can feel good about. Calling all naughty girls!

I loved a recent piece I found on Health.com about the vices in our lives that are actually quite good for us, like these:

1. Playing hooky: Are you in need of a mental health day? Take one! According to Health: "Studies confirm that time off—whether on a trip out of Dodge or a 24-hour staycation—relieves stress, lowering your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease. It also promotes creative thinking (attention, bosses!). And women in a 2005 study who took two or more vacations per year were less likely to be depressed than women who took one every two years."

2. A weakness for chocolate: Gals, if you don't already know, chocolate--particularly dark chocolate--is practically health food, so don't feel guilty about partaking! Yes, it's best to keep the amount to a minimum--a few ounces a day--but that little treat is bursting with health benefits: It may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and provide other cardiovascular benefits, according to past research. Yay!

3. Your Starbucks addiction: Sure, you spend a lot of your hard-earned cash at your favorite cafe, but as long as you're not overdoing it on the sugary syrups and whipped cream, your daily coffee habit may be a good health move. The latest news on coffee suggests that it may ward off heart disease, fight some cancers and may increase exercise stamina.

4. Getting massages: According to Health.com, don't ever feel guilty about getting a rub-down. Getting a rubdown. “In general, people who are touched regularly are healthier,” Alice Domar, Ph.D., said to Health. Massage has been linked to pain relief, and improvement in depression, anxiety and anger.

For five more semi-naughty indulgences that are actually good for you, check Health.com's piece here.